wind turbine grid connection: G83 problem

heavensky · Post by **heavensky** » 29 Jun 2009, 10:50

I plan to install a 5kw wind turbine for grid connection. I heard that the inverter needs to comply with G83/1 regulation. The seller shows me one. But I found it is issued by the manufacturer on its own.

Is this ok? I suppose it should be tested by a third party, some certified body, right?

Come by this forum, hope get help here.

emordnilap · Post by **emordnilap** » 29 Jun 2009, 12:22

Welcome heavensky.

Post by **adam2** » 29 Jun 2009, 13:54

I believe that grid tie inverters are "self certified" and that provided it is ofrom a well known supplier, that this should present no problem.

Before spending any money I would obtain full details of the inverter that you propose to use, and obtain the written approval of your electricity supplier regarding this.

heavensky · Post by **heavensky** » 30 Jun 2009, 01:30

Thanks alot. Adam2,

Do you mean that G83 certificate is ok for self declcared? If so, there is risk.

Ofcourse, I'd like to buy a SMA inverter, sth like that. But that's too expensive, nearly half of the turbine cost, not economical.

Janco2 · Post by **Janco2** » 30 Jun 2009, 19:58

We have a grid connected 6kW wind turbine.
To enable us to obtain a grant, Ofgem sent us a form on which there was a list of equipment that they would accept for grid connection.
Regarding the G83 there was a list of compliant inverters.
Ours is a SMA Windy Boy 6,000A

heavensky · Post by **heavensky** » 01 Jul 2009, 10:38

Thanks Janco2, is your wind boy 6000A 's G83 certificated is issued by SMA itself?

That's too expensive for me. And the turbine i am planning to buy is already equipped with a griedtied inverter. But not sure if its G83 certificate is acceptable.

Janco2 wrote:We have a grid connected 6kW wind turbine.
To enable us to obtain a grant, Ofgem sent us a form on which there was a list of equipment that they would accept for grid connection.
Regarding the G83 there was a list of compliant inverters.
Ours is a SMA Windy Boy 6,000A

Janco2 · Post by **Janco2** » 01 Jul 2009, 19:11

Don't know whether SMA have certified it themselves.

Have a look at what it says on here:-
http://www.thebiggreenidea.org/images/b ... Energy.pdf

Sorry can't seem to get the above link to work properly

Basically, it seems you need agreement with the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
Part of the regulatory compliance is that any inverter has to be capable of monitoring grid voltage and closing down automatically when grid goes down.
There needs to be an On/off switch that can be padlocked in the Off position.
You will need a schematic of your installation and a copy of the electrical engineer's commissioning certificate before you go 'live'.
The latter is a big drawback as whenever the grid is down your installation will be unuseable too

Hope this helps. Perhaps contacting Ofgem would be useful as we think they have information about G83 compliance inverters.

heavensky · Post by **heavensky** » 03 Jul 2009, 03:37

thks very much. I think I should contact my DNO first now. My targeted inverter seems to be equipped with all necessary functions.

Make a try now.

scott · Post by **scott** » 03 Jul 2009, 18:50

G83/1 is single phase 240v micro generation
up to 3.7kw 16amp

G59/1 is three phase 415v systems
yours is in a slight grey area
5kw grid turbines with good outputs can produce up to 9kw

good inverter supplier can provide testing to ALL world standards
and provide test certificates in writing
UK G83/1 , G59/1
GERMANY VDE126
USA UL1741
OZ AS4771

TUV CE KEMA DK EN IEEE ISO etc

can if required supply global inverter
5kw input - max output 13kw 240v SP or 415v TP
with 5 years warranty

remember to fit ofgem approved import/export meters
and padlockable isolator and drawings with your application